Class of 2012, embrace life, Red Wing teacher says

There was a sea of purple on the Red Wing High School athletic field Friday night as the class of 2012 waited to get their diplomas. But before they walked across the stage, flipped their tassels or tossed their hats, the graduates were given one last lecture.

“Graduating seniors, as we prepare for this final lesson, let’s focus please,” Jillynne Raymond joked as she began her address.

The teacher reflected on what the nearly 250 graduates learned during their high school years, adding that she remembered speaking to them during their freshman orientation four years ago.

“Now here we are, and you did it,” she said. “You focused and here you are at a major milestone in your life with your high school diploma, the ticket to the next steps in your journey.”

Raymond recapped the important life lessons the students learned: perseverance, integrity, honesty, respect and courage. She also advised the graduates to embrace the good — and bad — moments still to come and to never stop dreaming.

“Whatever it is, embrace your dream,” she said. “Embrace it fully. It is worthy of your energy and effort because it is your dream and you are worth it.”

Senior Alexander Streff also addressed his class, telling them not to be afraid to take risks.

“Do not let your fears get in the way of the rest of your life,” Streff said. “Each of us truly has everything to gain and nothing to lose.”

Other student speakers included graduate KelliAnne O’Leary, who likened her class to a box of crayons, and foreign exchange students Rita Qaf and Iara Kirchner, who represented all seven exchange students RWHS hosted this year.

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